Well, how did you like the summer so far?

There were probably one or two days when it was more than 100 degrees that you thought would never get over with. But I think this has been one of the best for great weather in a long time around here.

That little gray week with the rain in mid August kept everything green and I am sure kept the fire hazards at a minimum.

New stage is a hit

Down at the port things have been buzzing for the past two months.

When we finalized most of the projects on our five-year master plan by opening the performing arts stage on the 4th of July, we turned a new page in the history books for our little town.

I haven’t counted the events but I would bet that there have been close to twenty different performance groups or individuals up on the stage in the brief two months that it has been in operation.

The performers that I talk to are thrilled to have such a venue to work in and I haven’t run into anyone sitting out on the lawn watching the action who’s tried to tell me we shouldn’t have done this.

I have noticed another phenomenon as well. The stage has become a meeting place for people waiting for those arriving on the ferry. People used to sit in their cars or show up “just in time.”

But nowadays I see folks show up a little early and get out of their vehicles to enjoy a few minutes soaking up the atmosphere of the stage and getting a little fresh air.

One of the unexpected but great-to-see activities I have seen was a couple who had brought a boom box out and were practicing their ballroom dancing steps. I also saw a group of young ladies from one of our schools going through their cheerleading routines there too.

As twilight begins to arrive earlier, people should know that on the southwest corner, near the electrical outlets at the base of the structure, there is a little timer switch that will turn the overhead lights on for about half an hour.

The stage has introduced a new dynamic to our town: music. Some people I have heard think that once in a while it is too loud and can be heard well outside of the park area.

A couple of weeks ago I drove around during a concert and was interested to hear that there are some places, specifically up on the hill above the ferry dock and more curiously over near the Taree Park, where the sound seems to be louder than it is right in the marina park.

It seems that the “bowl” shape of our to topography bounces the sound up the hill and across the Washington State Ferries parking lot, while the area to the west is getting sound that is reflected off of the concrete bulkhead at the north edge of Mike Wallace Park.

I have talked to a couple of sound engineers who think a series of flags and banners over by the ferry dock bulkhead could dampen the sound and even soften it up a bit within the park area. We will be looking at this.

Kayak float is open

The new kayak float is now up and running.

At last count I saw at least a dozen boats hanging on the racks and more than a few of them being used out in the bay. When the project was under construction I know that each available spot had been requested. I am not sure if everyone has actually brought a boat down though.

If you are interested in placing a rowing or paddling boat there, please contact the port office and the staff will see what they can do to accommodate you. The phone number is (360) 297-3545.

All in all, we sure have had a lot of things going on around town this summer. The Kitsap Arts and Craft fair was a great event. It brought people to town from all over the state and they seemed to like the place. Some of the vendors have already made their reservations for next year’s events.

I was not able to be at the pet festival on Aug. 2, but from what I have heard it was a great day of fun for the dogs and humans alike. Each of the Concerts on the Cove have been very well attended and enjoyed by hundreds of our neighbors.

Seawall repair underway

The Federal Emergency Management Administration project to repair the North Beach seawall is well underway and on schedule so far, but the contractor has had a few delays when the tides were too severe to make things work.

I went down there the other day to check things out and those are some very big rocks. They are coming from a quarry up around Mt. Rainer.

The specifications on the project required specific quarry stones that could endure the elements that hit our beach. I guess Mount Rainier has been there long enough to prove those rocks have a little staying power.

As the Labor Day weekend approaches, we all know that it was good hard and honest labor that created this country and it is those same ideals that will keep America strong and vibrant.

If you need some pre-winter work done around your home or business, there are lots of well qualified and eager professionals right here in the neighborhood. They can get things done for you and it is good to buy local.

Have a great end to the summer of 2009 and we will be seeing you around town. Thanks as always for reading this stuff. I enjoy doing it for you.

Port of Kingston Commissioner Pete DeBoer can be reached at pete@petedeboer.com.